(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – The Catholic Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Louisville (the “Foundation”) today announced that it has obtained $1,200,000 in commitments to the new endowment fund named in honor of the leader of the Catholic Church in central Kentucky, the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D. D., for his exemplary service to the entire community.

Earnings from the new fund will be used exclusively to support the Foundation’s tuition assistance program for families who cannot afford the full cost of educating their children in a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Recently, the Emil and Nancy Graeser family generously donated $300,000 for the benefit of the Kurtz endowment. The family had been considering a way to sustain the mission of the Foundation over a long period of time, and they determined that a large gift to the Kurtz endowment was the best pathway for them. Emil Graeser remarked, “Nancy and I know that the earnings from this fund will empower children whose futures will be forever changed through Catholic education. We couldn’t be happier!”

Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter expressed his thanks to the Graeser family. “We are elated that Emil and Nancy would choose the mission of Catholic education in our community as one of the cornerstones of their charitable activities. Their steadfast and meaningful support of this organization over many years is a great testament to their faith and their commitment to the future of our young students and our Church. How deeply grateful we are to them!”

Mr. Lechleiter invited others to consider a gift to the Kurtz endowment. “The long-term success of Catholic education in our community is largely dependent upon the growth of our permanent endowment. Gifts that extend our mission, like the Graeser family gift, impact young lives in perpetuity. I pray that others will join us in continuing to build our all-important endowment.”

Donations to The Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D. D. Scholarship Fund can be remitted to the Catholic Education Foundation, 401 West Main Street, Suite 806, Louisville, KY 40202.